[§46-19]  Development of alternative energyresources.  Each of the counties may participate in the development ofalternative energy resources defined as geothermal, solar, wind, ocean power,biomass and solid wastes in joint venture with an end user or public utilitypursuant to a plan for the direct utilization of the energy sources by an enduser or public utility; provided that should a joint-venture partner not beavailable the counties may proceed with the development of alternate energyresources for their own consumption or for the furtherance of a plan for directutilization by an end user or public utility. [L 1978, c 36, §1]